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Bean to Bar Mystery #7
A Chocolate Is Announced
Felicity Koerber is finally getting her life together. She has a fiancé, her bean to bar chocolate shop on Galveston’s historic Strand has become a gathering spot for the community, and she is ready to embrace whatever the future holds. She’s ready for another launch party – despite the disaster at her grand opening, when she’d first gotten involved with solving a murder. And this time she’s embracing her status as a sleuth. She’s hosting a murder mystery weekend to celebrate the new Mystery Flavor line of craft chocolate bars. She’s held a contest to choose the attendees, who will all stay at her aunt’s flip hotel and enjoy the island. It’s all supposed to be perfectly random – only, Felicity starts to uncover connections between her guests. When one of them winds up murdered, Felicity has to keep her aunt from becoming the main suspect.
The killer is very clearly calling Felicity out, leaving clues that mean little to anyone other than her. But that doesn’t narrow down the suspect pool. Her guests are there because they love the true crime podcast she’s been featured on. And she can’t decide whether the killer wants her to catch them – or just wants to taunt her.
Meanwhile, Felicity is also playing host to her future in-laws and discovers that her fiancé’s sister, who is also a cop, is very competitive. Can Felicity hold her own and make a good impression, while keeping her business together and her aunt out of jail? And can Felicity solve it in time to protect the people she cares about from becoming additional victims?
Satchmo the retired police dog turned therapy dog returns to help her sniff out a few clues, and one of the guests brings along a ferret named Cheeseburger, who keeps showing up in the most unexpected places.
The killer is very clearly calling Felicity out, leaving clues that mean little to anyone other than her. But that doesn’t narrow down the suspect pool. Her guests are there because they love the true crime podcast she’s been featured on. And she can’t decide whether the killer wants her to catch them – or just wants to taunt her.
Meanwhile, Felicity is also playing host to her future in-laws and discovers that her fiancé’s sister, who is also a cop, is very competitive. Can Felicity hold her own and make a good impression, while keeping her business together and her aunt out of jail? And can Felicity solve it in time to protect the people she cares about from becoming additional victims?
Satchmo the retired police dog turned therapy dog returns to help her sniff out a few clues, and one of the guests brings along a ferret named Cheeseburger, who keeps showing up in the most unexpected places.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2024
1 person is currently reading
1943 people want to read
About the author
Amber Royer
27 books348 followersAmber Royer writes the CHOCOVERSE comic telenovela-style foodie-inspired space opera series, and the BEAN TO BAR MYSTERIES. She is also the author of STORY LIKE A JOURNALIST: A WORKBOOK FOR NOVELISTS, which boils down her writing knowledge into an actionable plan involving over 100 worksheets to build a comprehensive story plan for your novel. She blogs about creative writing technique and all things chocolate at www.amberroyer.com. Much of this knowledge has come from teaching creative writing for both UT Arlington Continuing Education and Writing Workshops Dallas. She has been teaching and serving as an author coach for going on a decade and a half, and before that she was a youth librarian. Amber lives in Texas, with her husband who is sometimes her co-author – but always her alpha reader and cheerleader. Much of what she writes is to amuse him, or has been inspired by one of her friends. (Check the last names of her protags – they’re often homages.) She grew up in a half Cajun, half German household, which gave her early ideas about fusion cooking, which are still present in her cooking style and recipe offerings today. She loves to travel, and has drunk coffee in seven different countries. Her cookbook, THERE ARE HERBS IN MY CHOCOLATE started as a project for her local herb society, where she and her husband were at the time active members and presenters. If you are very nice to her, she might make you cupcakes. Chocolate cupcakes, obviously.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 27, 2024
This has become a favorite series because who can pass up chocolate, a cute bunny, and the Texas coast?
Felicity (aka Fee or Lis, depending on who is addressing her) is hosting a murder mystery weekend at the hotel she and her aunt are flipping. As with the previous books, people end up dead. However, how the guests ended up being there is quite interesting because it seems like someone has manipulated the guests for this contest. Everyone has a secret, but is it enough to kill for?
Felicity and Logan are newly engaged, and this is her opportunity to meet his family. Will they like her? Will she like them? It is obvious that she still has some insecurities about herself and her relationship with Logan, but nothing a little communication won't resolve.
The murder itself is a locked room murder. How did it happen? Who was involved and why? I loved all of the clues that were peppered throughout the book. There aren't so many that I could solve it ahead of time, but enough to leave me wondering who was at the center of it all and why. The guilty party is not one I would have guessed, even with some hints from the characters.
While we don't see Knightly (the bunny) very much in this book, there is the addition of a ferret named Cheeseburger. Cheeseburger takes a liking to Felicity for some reason, but it helps her overcome her fear of ferrets. I have to say that Cheeseburger is one smart ferret.
This would not be this series without a "murder book." Whenever Felicity receives a book, there tends to be a murder that she helps solve. The book she receives is Frankenstein. There are many possible reasons for this particular book, but you will have to read this cozy to decide how it ties. There is also something hidden within the book that makes it even more interesting. I had to do a little research to learn more. I don't think that particular scenario would be possible, but it is fun to imagine. Did I whet your appetite to grab the book? Yes? Good!
I am looking forward to what happens next for Felicity and Logan. There is some news for her friend Autumn in this book that will carry over to the next one.
While this book could be read on its own, you will benefit from reading all the previous books first. This will set up the characters, the shop, and so much more.
We give this book 5 paws up.
Felicity (aka Fee or Lis, depending on who is addressing her) is hosting a murder mystery weekend at the hotel she and her aunt are flipping. As with the previous books, people end up dead. However, how the guests ended up being there is quite interesting because it seems like someone has manipulated the guests for this contest. Everyone has a secret, but is it enough to kill for?
Felicity and Logan are newly engaged, and this is her opportunity to meet his family. Will they like her? Will she like them? It is obvious that she still has some insecurities about herself and her relationship with Logan, but nothing a little communication won't resolve.
The murder itself is a locked room murder. How did it happen? Who was involved and why? I loved all of the clues that were peppered throughout the book. There aren't so many that I could solve it ahead of time, but enough to leave me wondering who was at the center of it all and why. The guilty party is not one I would have guessed, even with some hints from the characters.
While we don't see Knightly (the bunny) very much in this book, there is the addition of a ferret named Cheeseburger. Cheeseburger takes a liking to Felicity for some reason, but it helps her overcome her fear of ferrets. I have to say that Cheeseburger is one smart ferret.
This would not be this series without a "murder book." Whenever Felicity receives a book, there tends to be a murder that she helps solve. The book she receives is Frankenstein. There are many possible reasons for this particular book, but you will have to read this cozy to decide how it ties. There is also something hidden within the book that makes it even more interesting. I had to do a little research to learn more. I don't think that particular scenario would be possible, but it is fun to imagine. Did I whet your appetite to grab the book? Yes? Good!
I am looking forward to what happens next for Felicity and Logan. There is some news for her friend Autumn in this book that will carry over to the next one.
While this book could be read on its own, you will benefit from reading all the previous books first. This will set up the characters, the shop, and so much more.
We give this book 5 paws up.
June 25, 2024
I love Amber Royer’s Bean to Bar Mysteries! (You can see my reviews of previous books here.) But I think A Chocolate Is Announced may be the best so far. Felicity is engaged to Logan, Greetings and Felicitations is doing well, and renovations are proceeding nicely on the hotel her aunt plans to flip. Logan is getting more involved in the chocolate-making side of the business, and they’re hosting a murder mystery weekend to introduce the bars he’s created.
The contestants are supposed to be randomly selected. But as they arrive and the contest begins, connections between the participants start to come to light. Ted seems to be the man everyone has a reason to hate. Felicity’s Aunt Naomi even has a past history with him. And when Ted ends up dead for real, Felicity has to do some investigating to keep her aunt from topping the list of suspects.
This is a locked room mystery twice! Ted’s body is discovered in his hotel room, no visible signs of anyone else having been in the room with him. And the hotel where everyone is staying is also locked down! The killer has made it a requirement that only four people are allowed to leave and return to the property, presumably so they can investigate. If anyone else leaves, the killer says more people will die. This makes for some tense moments and people getting sick of each other’s company in a hurry, as they all try to congregate in the main areas of the hotel as much as possible.
We get to meet Logan’s parents and sister under these less than ideal circumstances, and Felicity has some doubts about how well she’s going to fit in with the family. And once Logan tells her his parents want to buy them a house, she jumps to some conclusions that make her a little anxious about the security of their relationship. (Felicity, don’t jump to conclusions!) We also get to see Felicity and Arlo thrown together. You’d think it would be super awkward, working to solve a crime with the man you didn’t choose and his girlfriend on the premises, but surprisingly, they’re able to work together pretty well.
We don’t see much of Felicity’s beloved bunny Knightly in this story, but that’s because he’s out of the reach of the ferret, Cheeseburger, brought by one of the contestants. Felicity knows ferrets and rabbits generally don’t do well together, so she has Knightly in someone else’s care for the weekend. Cheeseburger’s shenanigans are engaging, though, and one wonders whether his owner was somehow involved with the murder.
And the mystery! Royer kept me guessing, with plenty of twists and turns and red herrings. There’s the tie-in t0 a classic novel, although this time it wasn’t a straight-up mystery novel. It was interesting to see how Royer connected the novel to the story and worked the mystery around it.
Another winner in the Bean to Bar series, and this one left us with lots of little details about what might come next! I’ll be waiting anxiously for the eighth book in the series.
The contestants are supposed to be randomly selected. But as they arrive and the contest begins, connections between the participants start to come to light. Ted seems to be the man everyone has a reason to hate. Felicity’s Aunt Naomi even has a past history with him. And when Ted ends up dead for real, Felicity has to do some investigating to keep her aunt from topping the list of suspects.
This is a locked room mystery twice! Ted’s body is discovered in his hotel room, no visible signs of anyone else having been in the room with him. And the hotel where everyone is staying is also locked down! The killer has made it a requirement that only four people are allowed to leave and return to the property, presumably so they can investigate. If anyone else leaves, the killer says more people will die. This makes for some tense moments and people getting sick of each other’s company in a hurry, as they all try to congregate in the main areas of the hotel as much as possible.
We get to meet Logan’s parents and sister under these less than ideal circumstances, and Felicity has some doubts about how well she’s going to fit in with the family. And once Logan tells her his parents want to buy them a house, she jumps to some conclusions that make her a little anxious about the security of their relationship. (Felicity, don’t jump to conclusions!) We also get to see Felicity and Arlo thrown together. You’d think it would be super awkward, working to solve a crime with the man you didn’t choose and his girlfriend on the premises, but surprisingly, they’re able to work together pretty well.
We don’t see much of Felicity’s beloved bunny Knightly in this story, but that’s because he’s out of the reach of the ferret, Cheeseburger, brought by one of the contestants. Felicity knows ferrets and rabbits generally don’t do well together, so she has Knightly in someone else’s care for the weekend. Cheeseburger’s shenanigans are engaging, though, and one wonders whether his owner was somehow involved with the murder.
And the mystery! Royer kept me guessing, with plenty of twists and turns and red herrings. There’s the tie-in t0 a classic novel, although this time it wasn’t a straight-up mystery novel. It was interesting to see how Royer connected the novel to the story and worked the mystery around it.
Another winner in the Bean to Bar series, and this one left us with lots of little details about what might come next! I’ll be waiting anxiously for the eighth book in the series.
July 5, 2024
A Chocolate is Announced is the seventh book in the Bean to Bar Mystery series. I've really loved the books I've read in this series and have grown very attached to Felicity and her supporting cast. Past books have had quite a bit of romantic suspense, but I like seeing Felicity settling in a bit more than she has before. Another extra fun element is the newly added family drama. Each of the new key characters is very interesting and adds a bonus layer of difficulty for Felicity to navigate. I tend to love stories where the sleuth's family is involved in suspicion and intrigue since it always ups the stakes. That was definitely a welcome twist for me with this entry in the series.
Felicity is still such an interesting character, and her acceptance of her role in mysteries is providing a different direction for her personality. I really like how she's growing and being shaped by the events occurring around her, especially as they become more present in her personal life. I've loved the way this series has progressed so far, and I love recommending it to my mystery-loving friends.
Another aspect I really enjoyed was the addition of an animal cast. Pets and random animals are one of my favorite aspects of cozy mysteries, so a new dog and a ferret being added into the mix are especially fun for me. I'm a sucker for helpful and mysterious critters - which might stem from an appreciation for Scooby-Doo and his own mystery gang. Adding in dogs to mysteries is always a win.
I was entertained, intrigued, and it felt extra cozy to come back to characters I've read so much about. I love the new characters, Felicity's expanding family, and the change in her character dynamic. Amber Royer has crafted a series that has become a must-keep-up-with adventure that I greatly look forward to reading more of.
Felicity is still such an interesting character, and her acceptance of her role in mysteries is providing a different direction for her personality. I really like how she's growing and being shaped by the events occurring around her, especially as they become more present in her personal life. I've loved the way this series has progressed so far, and I love recommending it to my mystery-loving friends.
Another aspect I really enjoyed was the addition of an animal cast. Pets and random animals are one of my favorite aspects of cozy mysteries, so a new dog and a ferret being added into the mix are especially fun for me. I'm a sucker for helpful and mysterious critters - which might stem from an appreciation for Scooby-Doo and his own mystery gang. Adding in dogs to mysteries is always a win.
I was entertained, intrigued, and it felt extra cozy to come back to characters I've read so much about. I love the new characters, Felicity's expanding family, and the change in her character dynamic. Amber Royer has crafted a series that has become a must-keep-up-with adventure that I greatly look forward to reading more of.
July 3, 2024
The combination of mystery and chocolate is even more delicious in Amber Royer's latest book, 'A Chocolate is Announced,' part of the Bean to Bar Mysteries series. The story unfolds with Aunt Naomi pushing ahead with hotel renovations to increase her profits before selling. Meanwhile, Felicity's engagement with Logan allows him to showcase his creativity in the chocolate side of the business. Together, they organize a murder mystery weekend highlighting his delectable chocolate bars.
Past connections are revealed as the 'randomly' selected participants for the mystery weekend arrive. Ted, a man with a dubious history, is found dead in his locked hotel room. The hotel is locked down, and tensions rise as Felicity takes it upon herself to investigate to keep her aunt from becoming a suspect. The killer sets a chilling ultimatum—only four people are allowed to leave and return to the property, and everyone will die.
As suspicions and tension escalate among the suspects forced to interact with each other in the close quarters of the hotel, Felicity also grapples with concerns about fitting into Logan's family when his parents offer to buy a house for the engaged couple. Despite not choosing Arlo, Felicity finds them working well together during the investigation. Amber Royer masterfully weaves a fast-paced mystery with exciting story threads and misleading clues that lead to an unexpected but perfect ending.
Fans of Amber Royer will appreciate the captivating storytelling in 'A Chocolate is Announced' and eagerly anticipate the next addition to the series. While maintaining consistent characters and chocolate foundations, each story is a perfect recipe for an unforgettable page-turning experience. No one should miss this fabulous summer read.
Past connections are revealed as the 'randomly' selected participants for the mystery weekend arrive. Ted, a man with a dubious history, is found dead in his locked hotel room. The hotel is locked down, and tensions rise as Felicity takes it upon herself to investigate to keep her aunt from becoming a suspect. The killer sets a chilling ultimatum—only four people are allowed to leave and return to the property, and everyone will die.
As suspicions and tension escalate among the suspects forced to interact with each other in the close quarters of the hotel, Felicity also grapples with concerns about fitting into Logan's family when his parents offer to buy a house for the engaged couple. Despite not choosing Arlo, Felicity finds them working well together during the investigation. Amber Royer masterfully weaves a fast-paced mystery with exciting story threads and misleading clues that lead to an unexpected but perfect ending.
Fans of Amber Royer will appreciate the captivating storytelling in 'A Chocolate is Announced' and eagerly anticipate the next addition to the series. While maintaining consistent characters and chocolate foundations, each story is a perfect recipe for an unforgettable page-turning experience. No one should miss this fabulous summer read.
June 23, 2024
This is such a great series! I have read all 7 and have loved each one. In book 7, Felicity is launching a new line of chocolate bars and to launch the line hosts a Mystery weekend at the hotel where she lives and which her aunt has been renovating. Attendees to the Mystery weekend have been chosen through a contest. As soon as the contest winners arrive at the hotel, it becomes apparent that the winners were not chosen at random, and interestingly they are all connected in some way. Of course, not long after they all arrive a murder occurs and they continue to occur, very much keeping Felicity and fiance Logan wondering who the murder could be. On top of all of this Felicity has to contend with Logan's family and his very overbearing and competitive sister.
From the start of this book there is one twist and turn, one red herring after another, keeping the reader thinking and in the dark until the very end. The murderer is very present and involved in the story, placing some 'restrictions' on Felicity and certain other guests, providing for some interesting plot twists. Overall this is a very entertaining and enjoyable book, as is the whole series.
Once again Ms. Royer has written a very well-plotted mystery. This book definitely keeps the reader engaged, pulling you into the book until its end, resulting in reading the book in one setting.
The ending is not expected and definitely sets the stage for book 8! I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
From the start of this book there is one twist and turn, one red herring after another, keeping the reader thinking and in the dark until the very end. The murderer is very present and involved in the story, placing some 'restrictions' on Felicity and certain other guests, providing for some interesting plot twists. Overall this is a very entertaining and enjoyable book, as is the whole series.
Once again Ms. Royer has written a very well-plotted mystery. This book definitely keeps the reader engaged, pulling you into the book until its end, resulting in reading the book in one setting.
The ending is not expected and definitely sets the stage for book 8! I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
June 25, 2024
Awesome!!!!
What a fabulous book!
This is book 7, and the third I've read. I did read samples of the first 4 so I'd have a better feel for the characters. At some point I hope to go back and read the others, too.
Felicity is hosting a murder mystery weekend in her aunt's hotel, to celebrate Logan's new chocolate bar. But what is supposed to be a fun weekend turns dangerous when someone is murdered for real, and almost everyone is a suspect!!
Plus, Logan's parents and his sister and her husband are there for this event, just to add even more to the story-line!
There are SOOOOO many twists and turns in this well done plot I'm surprised my head didn't start spinning. All the suspects had excellent reasons they might be the culprit, and figuring it who-dun-it was impossible for me until near just about the time they were revealed.
I adore the characters in the series and this one adds a LOT more - some rather quirky, all very interesting and well done., but somehow the way it's all done made it easy to follow, and I just didn't want to put this down!
As with the last book, there are exciting happenings toward the end of the book, too, and I was left at the end with a huge smile on my face. I am already tapping my feet, wanting the next book in the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What a fabulous book!
This is book 7, and the third I've read. I did read samples of the first 4 so I'd have a better feel for the characters. At some point I hope to go back and read the others, too.
Felicity is hosting a murder mystery weekend in her aunt's hotel, to celebrate Logan's new chocolate bar. But what is supposed to be a fun weekend turns dangerous when someone is murdered for real, and almost everyone is a suspect!!
Plus, Logan's parents and his sister and her husband are there for this event, just to add even more to the story-line!
There are SOOOOO many twists and turns in this well done plot I'm surprised my head didn't start spinning. All the suspects had excellent reasons they might be the culprit, and figuring it who-dun-it was impossible for me until near just about the time they were revealed.
I adore the characters in the series and this one adds a LOT more - some rather quirky, all very interesting and well done., but somehow the way it's all done made it easy to follow, and I just didn't want to put this down!
As with the last book, there are exciting happenings toward the end of the book, too, and I was left at the end with a huge smile on my face. I am already tapping my feet, wanting the next book in the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 26, 2024
This the seventh book in this series; I’ve read all or almost all of the books in the series, but this book could be enjoyed read alone. That said, I think it would be more enjoyable to read if one has read at least some of the books in the series to be familiarized with the characters and especially the workings of the chocolate shop, which are fascinating. I love the setting of Galveston, having visited there many times. Felicity is a unique and well-fleshed out main character, owner of a boutique chocolate producer, and newly engaged. Her aunt has refurbished a cold old hotel and they’re having a launch party for her new mystery chocolate bar there by having a murder mystery weekend. To complicate matters, the family of her fiancé is coming and she’ll meet them for the first time. The murder mystery turns out to be complicated by an actual murder. Felicity has a way of becoming involved in investigating cases and now it seems that someone is targeting her and the mystery weekend. The story is really well-written and fun to solve. I can definitely recommend this book and the series; I was provided an arc, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.
July 3, 2024
A Chocolate is Announced is a fun whodunnit with a robust cast of characters. The seventh in The Bean to Bar series, this was my first foray into the series that centers around Felicity Koerber.
This Agatha Christie-esque story captured my imagination from beginning to end. I particularly loved the setting: a vintage hotel in the process of being restored on Galveston Island. As a Southeast Texas native, I enjoyed the references to places I grew up visiting every summer.
Royer’s use of animals as characters was entertaining – not only were they cute, but they were also integral to the plot. Knightly the rabbit and Cheeseburger the ferret added a fun element to the story.
I was fascinated by the detailed descriptions of the cacao plant and the chocolate-making process. I learned so much as the characters enjoyed a chocolate tasting that was similar to a wine tasting, including flavor profiles and tannins.
The revelation of the murderer was satisfying, as was the ending that wrapped up the loose threads of the characters.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy mysteries.
This Agatha Christie-esque story captured my imagination from beginning to end. I particularly loved the setting: a vintage hotel in the process of being restored on Galveston Island. As a Southeast Texas native, I enjoyed the references to places I grew up visiting every summer.
Royer’s use of animals as characters was entertaining – not only were they cute, but they were also integral to the plot. Knightly the rabbit and Cheeseburger the ferret added a fun element to the story.
I was fascinated by the detailed descriptions of the cacao plant and the chocolate-making process. I learned so much as the characters enjoyed a chocolate tasting that was similar to a wine tasting, including flavor profiles and tannins.
The revelation of the murderer was satisfying, as was the ending that wrapped up the loose threads of the characters.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy mysteries.
July 6, 2024
A Chocolate is Announced is the seven installment in the Bean to Bar mystery series. This book finds Felicity at her aunt Naomi’s hotel that she is working on to flip. A fun weekend with a murder mystery game put together through a contest is about to take a deadly turn.
A Chocolate is Announced has a slow start, and it feels like you’re refamiliarizing yourself with old characters while getting to know some new ones as well. You get a new cast with guests to the hotel and then you get Logan’s family as well as a few additional surprises scattered throughout. It’s like finding little surprises in a new chocolate bar that you weren’t expecting.
One fascinating aspect of this story is the murder itself. It’s a unique one that will leave the reader and our leading lady scratching their heads as to how it was done. There are quite a few twists and surprises in this story that once it gets fully going will keep you glued to the pages to find out who the culprit is and why they did it.
This book is a great addition to the series, and is an absolute delight to read.
4.5 out of 5 stars
A Chocolate is Announced has a slow start, and it feels like you’re refamiliarizing yourself with old characters while getting to know some new ones as well. You get a new cast with guests to the hotel and then you get Logan’s family as well as a few additional surprises scattered throughout. It’s like finding little surprises in a new chocolate bar that you weren’t expecting.
One fascinating aspect of this story is the murder itself. It’s a unique one that will leave the reader and our leading lady scratching their heads as to how it was done. There are quite a few twists and surprises in this story that once it gets fully going will keep you glued to the pages to find out who the culprit is and why they did it.
This book is a great addition to the series, and is an absolute delight to read.
4.5 out of 5 stars
June 26, 2024
With Felicity's Aunt Naomi renovating the old hotel for resale, Felicity thought the way to introduce her new chocolate creations is to hold a mystery weekend at the hotel. Holding a contest with her fans brings a group of unusual people together for the mystery and the large prize. With the help of her fiance, Logan, a retired police officer, she begins the mystery. But something isn't right with this strange group of contestants. And when one of them is murdered, who wasn't well liked and was an ex of her Aunt Naomi, who becomes a suspect. Of course, Felicity has to investigate to help clear her aunt. With so many twists and turns and red-herrings, we are taken on a roller coaster ride, where the contestants aren't who or what they seem. Add to this and Felicity has to deal with meeting Logan's family who have their own quirks. This is a fantastic addition to the series and I highly recommend it. In fact, I highly recommend the entire series! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
May 19, 2024
First I've read of this series. Being #7, understandably it will have helped to have read some previous books, but the references got me interested in going back, to get the full story.
The main plot involves a murder mystery weekend turning real. It's a theme I've read before but always enjoy. Having it set around a chocolate shop is extra fun, though I would have liked to see more about that. And what are the odds of having the participants connected in some way. Not only are they trying to find a killer, figure out everyone's secrets, and who hijacked the contest to ensure everyone was together, there's also the fictional mystery to keep the characters occupied.
There is a fair number of characters to keep track of, but everyone is distinct enough to make it easy. And I love Cheeseburger the ferret. Both the game and the "real" mystery were well crafted and interesting, as was the brief look into the chocolate making process. A series I intend to read more of.
The main plot involves a murder mystery weekend turning real. It's a theme I've read before but always enjoy. Having it set around a chocolate shop is extra fun, though I would have liked to see more about that. And what are the odds of having the participants connected in some way. Not only are they trying to find a killer, figure out everyone's secrets, and who hijacked the contest to ensure everyone was together, there's also the fictional mystery to keep the characters occupied.
There is a fair number of characters to keep track of, but everyone is distinct enough to make it easy. And I love Cheeseburger the ferret. Both the game and the "real" mystery were well crafted and interesting, as was the brief look into the chocolate making process. A series I intend to read more of.
June 26, 2024
A solid installment
This is another solid installment in my favorite cozy mystery series. I was curious how Ms. Royer would handle the ending of the love triangle subplot that had been an ongoing thread in the first six books. I'm happy to say she resolved it satisfactorily, and it led to the introduction of fresh storylines and new relationships that would keep the series going for many more books to come.
The elements that kept me coming back for more--the title of the featured classic literature, the innovative food and chocolate creations, the ever-increasing quirky and distinct cast of characters, the animal participation, the logical and believable mystery solving, and the subtle romance--are all present and accounted for.
The intensity of the danger to Felicity has been scaled down in this book and that's welcome after the high-octane excitement of the previous one. Like with the others, this is a quick and enjoyable read.
This is another solid installment in my favorite cozy mystery series. I was curious how Ms. Royer would handle the ending of the love triangle subplot that had been an ongoing thread in the first six books. I'm happy to say she resolved it satisfactorily, and it led to the introduction of fresh storylines and new relationships that would keep the series going for many more books to come.
The elements that kept me coming back for more--the title of the featured classic literature, the innovative food and chocolate creations, the ever-increasing quirky and distinct cast of characters, the animal participation, the logical and believable mystery solving, and the subtle romance--are all present and accounted for.
The intensity of the danger to Felicity has been scaled down in this book and that's welcome after the high-octane excitement of the previous one. Like with the others, this is a quick and enjoyable read.
June 20, 2024
Are you a cozy murder mystery fanatic like me obsessed with finding the latest best cozy murder mystery to carry you away to an adventure full of vibrant, colorful, quirky and charming characters,a plot that keeps you intrigued, captivated with anticipation throughout there are multiple suspects clever clues and back stories to keep you constantly reevaluating you choice of who done it second guessing and yet you'll still be surprised in the end. Once I began reading this delightfully engaging mystery involving Felicity and Logan , Freinds and family as well as a whole new slew of mysterious characters I couldn't put it down until I'd reached its unexpected and climatic conclusion , it truly is that well written and intensly engaging . Acquire " A Chocolate is Announced " in the seventh book of ( A Bean to Bar Mysteries) for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat
July 7, 2024
Even though I haven’t read books one to six in Amber Royer’s Bean to Bar Mystery series, when I saw that this was a cozy mystery about chocolate, included a pet bunny and was set on the Texas coast, I knew I was in! The mystery featured in this series entry was excellent, and I had no issues jumping into the series. I do wish I had read the others because I believe that would have provided a bit more set-up of the characters and the shop–don’t worry, they have all been added to my TBR! These are characters worth getting to know.
This is a closed room mystery, which is one of my most favorite kinds and definitely had that Clue-like vibe. There were twists and turns I didn’t see coming and lots of red-herrings that kept me guessing. The guests had so many secrets that unraveled with great surprise. The hotel guests with a ferret were entertaining, as well as Felicity's recent engagement. I enjoyed seeing how everything connected at the end, and it also felt like there were little details sprinkled in that hinted at what may come in future entries. Lots of fun to read and I’m happy to have a new to me series to read!
This is a closed room mystery, which is one of my most favorite kinds and definitely had that Clue-like vibe. There were twists and turns I didn’t see coming and lots of red-herrings that kept me guessing. The guests had so many secrets that unraveled with great surprise. The hotel guests with a ferret were entertaining, as well as Felicity's recent engagement. I enjoyed seeing how everything connected at the end, and it also felt like there were little details sprinkled in that hinted at what may come in future entries. Lots of fun to read and I’m happy to have a new to me series to read!
July 3, 2024
A Chocolate is Announced by Amber Royer is a delightful cozy mystery about Felicity and her chocolate bar shop in Galveston, Texas. She’s embracing her life as a sleuth as she is getting ready for her next chocolate bar launch event, which happens to be a murder mystery weekend. For those who love cozy mysteries, you know that no good can come from a murder mystery weekend *dun dun dunnnn*.
I found A Chocolate is Announced to be sweet (no pun intended…but it’s pretty cool that it happened, isn’t it?) and fun to get into. To be honest, I really wish I had read the other books in the series first as I think it would have fleshed out the story even more for me. However, that is something that I definitely look forward to going back and doing because I enjoyed reading about Felicity and her shop! I also enjoyed the quirky characters and adorable animals. I love cozy mysteries and this was definitely a great one to pick up!
I found A Chocolate is Announced to be sweet (no pun intended…but it’s pretty cool that it happened, isn’t it?) and fun to get into. To be honest, I really wish I had read the other books in the series first as I think it would have fleshed out the story even more for me. However, that is something that I definitely look forward to going back and doing because I enjoyed reading about Felicity and her shop! I also enjoyed the quirky characters and adorable animals. I love cozy mysteries and this was definitely a great one to pick up!
May 10, 2024
Felicity Koerber who is flipping a hotel in Galveston, Texas, and who is co owner of a chocolate store is hosting a mystery weekend. She is very nervous as she had had to solve too many murders. Her fiancée Logan, an ex cop, is her partner in chocolate factory. During the murder mystery weekend people are being killed one after another and she must solve the murder. There is even two ferrets causing havoc.
This is an excellent book. Very suspenseful. Hard to put down. I highly recommend it
I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free, and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review
This is an excellent book. Very suspenseful. Hard to put down. I highly recommend it
I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free, and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review
May 13, 2024
This villain wasn't playing games. They meant business from the get go. The notes to Felicity became increasingly alarming and the body count was mounting. Bodies dropping like flies, so whodunit??? I was clueless. The attacks were ingenious and very well thought out from the beginning. I thought with all the police presence already at the mystery dinner, one of them would have had a handle on this sooner, and put a stop to it. If Felicity wasn't shaking in her boots she should have been, because this perpetrator meant serious business. Page turner,edge of your seat action aplenty! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
June 21, 2024
“Careful. My everything hurts.”
This series is best read in order, just so you have an idea who the main characters are and their complicated pasts with each other and separately. That said, this story finds our favorite chocolatier, her fiancé and their friends and families almost completely held hostage at the renovated hotel Felicity calls home. What was supposed to be a fun weekend announcing the birth of a new chocolate bar with a in house murder mystery weekend turns dire when it’s hijacked by someone with murderous intentions. The cast is extensive, the plot intricate and highly enjoyable and the payoff at the end worth it.
This series is best read in order, just so you have an idea who the main characters are and their complicated pasts with each other and separately. That said, this story finds our favorite chocolatier, her fiancé and their friends and families almost completely held hostage at the renovated hotel Felicity calls home. What was supposed to be a fun weekend announcing the birth of a new chocolate bar with a in house murder mystery weekend turns dire when it’s hijacked by someone with murderous intentions. The cast is extensive, the plot intricate and highly enjoyable and the payoff at the end worth it.
July 4, 2024
This is probably my favorite book in the series so far! Why? Because in addition to plenty of talk and information about chocolate, this time around Felicity gets involved in trying to solve a locked-room-style mystery!
She's holding a launch party for her new line of mystery-themed chocolates at her aunt's hotel and (of course) one of the guest winds up dead. I enjoyed watching Felicity try to work out the connections between all the guests and try to follow the clues to keep her aunt from being blamed for the death.
What's not to love? A great mystery, some relationship progression with Felicity and Logan, AND plenty of chocolate!
She's holding a launch party for her new line of mystery-themed chocolates at her aunt's hotel and (of course) one of the guest winds up dead. I enjoyed watching Felicity try to work out the connections between all the guests and try to follow the clues to keep her aunt from being blamed for the death.
What's not to love? A great mystery, some relationship progression with Felicity and Logan, AND plenty of chocolate!
May 12, 2024
An intriguing murder mystery with lots of mysteries to work through and solve. Felicity is helping her Aunt Naomi remodel an old hotel that has lots of potential. They've decided to have a murder mystery weekend that features Felicity's chocolates and Enrique's fabulous catering skills. Little did they know it would turn into a real murder mystery with more then one murder to solve. Great setting with interesting characters thrown in.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 1, 2024
This story had more characters, more things going on and to keep track of than majority of other books I have read. There's a murder mystery weekend at the B&B and then there's a real murder, so people are trying to figure out the fake murder along with the real murder and then finding out the people involved in the murder mystery have connections. It's crazy!!!!! I really enjoyed the storyline (even with the craziness) and like this series more and more. Of course, the highlight is the ferret!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 4, 2024
I received an Advanced Reader copy of this book. It is book 7 in a series. I was feeling a bit lost, like I was coming in on a continuing story. I was mixing up friendships, relationships, and contest winners. The murder mystery contest and the real murders were intertwined. Lots of secret relationships were revealed. Social media played a big role in promoting business, with bloggers, vlogers, and how many followers someone has. Ferrets, dogs, and rabbits all play a role in the plot. I enjoyed the mystery. I think I would have enjoyed it more having the background from the earlier stories.
September 30, 2024
A Chocolate is Announced is book #7 in the Bean to Bar Mysteries series by Amber Royer.
It’s great to catch up with Felicity and her friends as well as meeting new characters. Felicity has her hands full hosting a murder mystery weekend and meeting her future in-laws. Love the animals in this book too. There are plenty of twists to keep you guessing. I’ve enjoyed following along Felicity’s journey and this book is a great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s great to catch up with Felicity and her friends as well as meeting new characters. Felicity has her hands full hosting a murder mystery weekend and meeting her future in-laws. Love the animals in this book too. There are plenty of twists to keep you guessing. I’ve enjoyed following along Felicity’s journey and this book is a great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2024
So far, I have read 5, 6, and 7 and they have all been great! I’m excited to go back to the first in the series and read what I have missed. I read through this book in a day; I didn’t want to put it down. Initially, it was a little bit hard to figure out who was who with all the new characters, but they quickly became easier and things developed. Really enjoying these books!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 2, 2024
Felicity Koerber in this latest installment is very nervous about this weekend when everyone is coming to this hotel that her aunt Naomi is trying to sell since she fixed it up. Well, murder follows her and it's a very trying weekend with her fiance helping, and of course, they are getting again mixed up in another murder. But all will work out at the end of the book. The only thing I feel it's too much information that we don't need.
June 11, 2024
This is the first book I've read of this series that I’ve read, due to seeing it could be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the whole theme of a fake murder mystery weekend turning into a real life murder mystery, it really keeps you hooked and interested in the story. This villain wasn't here to play games and everyone else was about to find that out for themselves
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 18, 2024
When a murder mystery weekend turns into a real murder mystery, Felicity has her hands full trying to figure out whodunit.
I thought this was a fun and enjoyable cozy mystery. There's plenty of twists and turns, danger, suspense, and maybe a few too many characters to keep up with at times. Cheeseburger the ferret was adorable.
Many thanks to the author and CRMC for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
I thought this was a fun and enjoyable cozy mystery. There's plenty of twists and turns, danger, suspense, and maybe a few too many characters to keep up with at times. Cheeseburger the ferret was adorable.
Many thanks to the author and CRMC for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
March 12, 2025
I should say upfront, I'm not a huge fan of "locked door murder mysteries", which is why this is probably my least favourite of the series so far (still good though!). I find this trope to always be quite contrived.
However this was still a fun read with plenty of twists and puzzles. And ferrets! I think this is the first mystery I ever read with ferrets as part of the cast.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
However this was still a fun read with plenty of twists and puzzles. And ferrets! I think this is the first mystery I ever read with ferrets as part of the cast.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 16, 2024
Who doesn't love a good locked room mystery. And having the murder at the renovated Hotel while a murder mystery party has got to be the best plot ever.The little ferret, Cheeseburger, is the cutest character, I love his antics. Felicity, chocolate maker/super sleuth,continues to catch the fiendsI received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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